Installing anything from Android Market is easy. However, many people want to install from their SD Cards and mainly what we call Non-Market Apps.
What are the benefits of doing it? Well! I can tell you some;
- You have a backup copy 24/7 with yourself on your mobile.
- You can share it over Bluetooth with your friends.
- No issue if you don’t have access to Market.
- Updating to newer version is much easier.
That’s enough, to be overwhelmed. Want to do it by yourself? Read it on!
First thing, first! Android phones have a setting which blocks Non-Market Application to be installed. You have to search for it and make it to accept any application. Search under Settings or Developer, etc. on your phone.
Then you have to download the APK files from other sources and the Internet on your PC/Laptop. There are many sites for legal and illegal apps. You can Google them out. APK files are installation package ending with extension “.apk”.
Now, connect your PC to your cell phone in USB mode. Next step involves making a folder on your card and name it something good. I named mine as ‘APKInstalls‘. (you can put it just like junk also; but it’s always good to be organized.)
Transfer all your files which you have downloaded to this folder. Disconnect the phone. You must have an Android installer on your phone. All androids have it by default. If you don’t have it, then just get it from Market.
Run the application, to see it scanning your card for APK’s. Select from the list and install. Done!
If it’s not showing your apps then, maybe you had not renamed the file/app. Sometimes, after download, the files by mistake are with a name like “TalkingTom.html” but you can tell it by big size that this isn’t HTML. Rename it to “TalkingTom.apk”, resend to phone and installs.
By using file managers you can share these apps directly over Bluetooth or wifi. Have fun!